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Yoho Praises USDA Decision to Halt the Import of Fresh Brazilian Beef

Jun 23, 2017

Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement on the USDA’s recent decision to halt fresh Brazilian beef imports into the U.S.

‘Since 2014, I have advocated for the USDA to stop any progress on importing Brazilian beef until we could guarantee the safety of the American consumer and our domestic livestock. At the time, I led a bipartisan group of members in asking the USDA to hold off until the Government Accountability Office (GAO) took a more in-depth look at the management controls of *APHIS site visits in Brazil. The previous administration moved ahead despite our efforts, potentially putting our domestic livestock and consumers at risk.

“I commend Secretary Perdue on his decision to stop these imports over safety concerns of beef products entering our domestic market. It is the right thing to do.

“I will always be a supporter of open markets and free trade but not to the detriment of American farmers, ranchers, and consumers. Our Beef industry, especially in North Central Florida, employs thousands of people and produces the highest quality meat in the world. This industry is vital to our local, regional, and national economies. However, the health of our domestic food supply and the health of all Americans is paramount.”